Capitol Comments
April 10, 2001
The Legislature has adjourned until April 25, 2001, until "veto session". In the past the veto session was actually more of a wrap-up, a time to dot the I's and cross the t's. This year, we will be making most of our important decisions during the veto session. BUDGET FORECAST ESTIMATES A $185.5 MILLION SHORTFALL There is real concern that recent budget forecasts will cause lawmakers to make deep cuts in state programs. Senate Democrats are calling for a comprehensive look at budget priorities. What is to blame? Some say a slow economy, some say high utility bills have limited consumer spending. The Consensus Estimating Group, a collection of state budget forecasters, has announced the state will take in $185.5 million less than expected over the next two fiscal years. In response, Governor Graves indicated the only choices were budget cuts of four percent or new revenue sources in the form of tax increases. For three or four years, we have maintained that budgets must be based on priorities. Now is the time to focus on those priorities and take decisive action to adjust our budget accordingly. There are areas we should not make a part of a budget discussion, such as services for elderly or disabled Kansans, many of whom are already on waiting lists for much needed assistance.
K-12 EDUCATION FUNDING WON'T COME UNTIL END OF VETO SESSION
A combination of a poor budget estimate and aggressive opposition to a tax
increase stymied discussion of a comprehensive education plan in the Kansas Senate this
past week. Despite not being able to get a plan passed this past week, I am more hopeful
than I was before. When given the opportunity to vote on just a $50 increase in
the Base State Aid per Pupil, twenty-four Senators voted NO. That tells me that
a majority of the Senate wants to do more than the status quo for education this year. The
Senate did not vote on a $260 million K-12 education package that would provide education
funding for the next two years. Instead, the bill was sent back to committee
after a very positive debate on the Senate floor. This version contained increased taxes
on alcohol, cigarettes, and soft drinks. There was opposition to those
funding options, but not to increased funding for schools. Later committee
action took the soft drinks out of the tax funding mix. Even with the new
budget forecast, many legislators continue to express strong support for public education.
Perhaps the most astonishing legislation which was passed last week addressing the
education funding issue was with the House passage of an increase in the Local Option
Budget which passes the education funding
on to the local property taxpayers. Legislators who voted for this measure are
the same legislators who are shouting "no new taxes" this year. I
predict the final decision on K-12 school finance will come during the final moments of
the 2001 Legislative session. The projected budget shortfall only heightens the awareness
that we must look at making a real commitment to education this year. I will
keep working hard to pass a bill that meets that commitment.
NEW BONDS FOR IMPROVEMENTS AT THE STATE FAIR
The Senate passed a bill authorizing $29 million in bonds over the next five
years for improvements at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. The bill passed
the Senate 40-0. The State Fair is truly one of the icons if this state and
belongs to all the people of Kansas. This plan from its infancy was unanimously
endorsed by the Joint Committee of State Building Construction, of which I am a
member. Many improvements plans needing immediate attention were brought to my
committee each year but for the past few years resources have been scarce to address all
the needs. As presented, this is an excellent plan to make some major
improvements to the fairgrounds in Hutchinson that, in the long run, will be worth the
costs. Our area of the state is proud to have Charles Craig of Winfield serve
as a member of the State Fair Board. HONORABLE LEE JOHNSON TAKES SEAT ON APPEALS COURT I
was privileged to attend the inaugural ceremonies for the Honorable
Lee Johnson, Caldwell, held last Friday in the Kansas Supreme Court Courtroom as he was
sworn in as a member of the Kansas Court of Appeals. The Courtroom was filed with many
members of his family, relatives, friends and members of his local Bar
Association. The open seat on the Court of Appeals was a result of the January retirement
of Chief Judge J. Patrick Brazil. Mr. Johnson comes with high credentials as
he takes his seat with this distinguished panel of Judges. I was privileged to
be asked for input on Mr. Johnson's appointment by the selection committee prior to the
Governor's announced appointment. It is with pride that one of our own has
risen to this high level of the Kansas Judiciary.
KANSAS LOSS IS GREAT
I have a heavy heart as I grieve with this area over the death of a distinguished man I admired greatly. Damon Weber left a void in the lives of many people who were touched by his life. Damon was a cherished mentor of mine as I ran for the Kansas Senate almost six years ago. Party politics had no place in our friendship. His love for politics, the sharing of his vast knowledge on almost all subjects, and his genuine caring for all people were characteristics which caused many Senators to cancel all previous evening plans when Damon called me and told me he would be in Topeka and would enjoy company for dinner that evening. Senators loved his company and his laughter. I am blessed that I have been able to call Damon and Pat my friends.
IN CONCLUSION
During this past couple of weeks my time has been spent in various conference committees or in debate on the Senate floor so many telephone calls have had to go unanswered. I will now be in my district until April 23, when I return to the Capitol for Judiciary Conference Committee meetings. For me, this break is one of my best opportunities to hear from my constituents. I always look forward to hearing what the people who elected me think about the bills we have passed thus far, as well as what we need to accomplish before we adjourn. Should you have comments or concerns during this break period, I am in Winfield, you may call my home telephone number (620) 221-9058, and leave a message if I am unavailable. I will return your call as soon as possible. You can also contact me by e-mail ggoodwin@ink.org.
Copyright © February, 2001 by Jamiebro Web Publications. All rights reserved.